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Lived Experiences of Suicide Risk and Resilience among Alaska Native and American Indian People

Author

Listed:
  • Jennifer L. Shaw

    (Research Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA)

  • Julie A. Beans

    (Research Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA)

  • Katherine Anne Comtois

    (Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 9th Ave, Box 359911, Seattle, WA 98104, USA)

  • Vanessa Y. Hiratsuka

    (Research Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA)

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of suicidality and help-seeking for suicide prevention among Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) people in a tribal health system. An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to analyze semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 15 individuals (ages 15–56) with self-reported histories of suicide ideation and/or attempt. Several factors were found to be central to acquiring resilience to suicide risk among AN/AI people across a wide age range: meaningful and consistent social connection, awareness about how one’s suicide would negatively effect loved ones, and knowledge and utilization of available health services. Findings highlight the mutable nature of suicide risk and resilience, as well as the importance of interpersonal factors in suicidality.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer L. Shaw & Julie A. Beans & Katherine Anne Comtois & Vanessa Y. Hiratsuka, 2019. "Lived Experiences of Suicide Risk and Resilience among Alaska Native and American Indian People," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:20:p:3953-:d:277466
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Berman, M., 2014. "Suicide among young alaska native men: Community risk factors and alcohol control," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(S3), pages 329-335.
    2. Wexler, L. & Chandler, M. & Gone, J.P. & Cwik, M. & Kirmayer, L.J. & La Fromboise, T. & Brockie, T. & O'Keefe, V. & Walkup, J. & Allen, J., 2015. "Advancing Suicide Prevention research with rural American Indian and Alaska Native populations," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(5), pages 891-899.
    3. Wexler, L.M. & Gone, J.P., 2012. "Culturally responsive suicide prevention in indigenous communities: Unexamined assumptions and new possibilities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(5), pages 800-806.
    4. Vanessa Y. Hiratsuka & Julie A. Beans & Renee F. Robinson & Jennifer L. Shaw & Ileen Sylvester & Denise A. Dillard, 2017. "Self-Determination in Health Research: An Alaska Native Example of Tribal Ownership and Research Regulation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-11, October.
    5. Herne, M.A. & Bartholomew, M.L. & Weahkee, R.L., 2014. "Suicide mortality among American Indians and Alaska Natives, 1999-2009," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(S3), pages 336-342.
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    Cited by:

    1. Meenakshi Richardson & Sara F. Waters, 2023. "Indigenous Voices Against Suicide: A Meta-Synthesis Advancing Prevention Strategies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-19, November.

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